High Tech Park's First Project—To Be or Not To Be—We'll Soon Find Out

In a 3-2 vote, Sheridan Planning Commission recently rejected proposed design plans for what might still be the first building at the new High Tech Business Park in Sheridan. The proposal came from White Hat LLC, a Colorado-based developer, and the building would be used for what is called “light” or “clean” manufacturing. One of the principle objections from the Planning Commissioners was the aesthetics — or perceived lack of — in the proposed design.

Sheridan Mayor Dave Kinskey was Thursday's guest on Public Pulse, and he told host Kim Love that he was “caught a little bit off guard” by the Planning Commission's rejection:

Typically, about 98% of projects getting a “yay” vote from the Design and Review Board are subsequently approved by the Planning Commission, according to Mayor Kinskey. He attributes the high profile of this project and insufficient information passed between the various entities as possible reasons for the incongruent vote in this case.

As far as the aesthetics are concerned, he says that although the building would be a post-frame with steel siding:

Even though the Planning Commission voted against this project, an ordinance established under the administration of Sheridan's previous mayor requires the project proposal to go before the Sheridan City Council. And, it is the Council who will ultimately decide if this is to be the first “resident” in Sheridan's new High Tech Business Park.

The Council will address the matter at their regular meeting this coming Monday.